Joe Klein of Time, someone who pisses everyone off on all sides of the political landscape, has covered nine Presidential campaigns, including the Clinton campaign AFTER it was revealed he was the author of Primary Colors. Now, however, he has been banned from boarding McCain/Palin planes as part of the press entourage. Of course it is exceedingly petty and absurd that they would ban him because they do not like his coverage, but at the bottom of this Politico story about the affair is a quote that really sums it all up:
Campaign spokesperson Michael Goldfarb responded that “we don’t allow Daily Kos diarists on board either.”
I have stated repeatedly that the McCain campaign is being run by wingnut bloggers- that Michael Goldfarb, wingnut blogger for the Weekly Standard on loan to the McCain campaign, chooses to continuously confirm my assertion just makes it even funnier. On the upside, at least Goldfarb did not give us another Dungeons and Dragons reference.
dmsilev
An extra seat on a charter plane: $400 saved.
One serving less of Purina Reporter Chow: $20 saved.
Pissing off a guy who writes a column in a magazine seen in dentist offices across the land: Priceless.
-dms
jnfr
I have a t-shirt that says "Pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons Crowd", and I thank Goldfarb for that.
Tom65
Even Nixon let Hunter S. Thompson on the plane, and look at what Thompson wrote.
Comrade Jake
I think the best part about that story is the note that Time’s Mark Halperin hasn’t had any trouble
giving McCain a hummergetting a seat.Comrade EdTheRed
Goldfarb is probably just pissed at Joe for eating all the Cheetos the last time he was on the campaign plane.
Zifnab
@Tom65: Yes. But Nixon was winning his elections. It’s also worth noting that Nixon was the type of guy who punches you in the nuts when the ref isn’t looking. McCain is the guy who hides behind his wife and screams rape.
yet another jeff
Looks like they’re using the Redstate model of banning people.
Side note: I was on a racing message board earlier…one of the posters objections to Obama are that he’s going to raise taxes and…that he’ll institute a tax on white people to pay slave reparations. On the bright side, Obama still seems to be leading among NASCAR fans…and the McCAAAIIINNN!!! folks are getting to core wingnut…pure, concentrated essence of wingnut.
maya
They’re just making more room for NBC’s beloved, Kelly O’Donnell, and her lap dancing routine.
Stuck in the Funhouse
That’s Ok!. In a couple of weeks it will be a ghost ship, and ready for wingnut mothballs.
Ned Raggett
@yet another jeff: that he’ll institute a tax on white people to pay slave reparations
I am sticking to my theory that Obama should say that every oddball who thinks they are going to get nutty taxes like this if he wins will in fact get those taxes, so that way they’re not disappointed. Meanwhile, everyone else gets a tax break. Then all sides get exactly what they want and hope for and nobody’s disappointed! (If only.)
Dave
@dmsilev:
Not only that, but his column gets heavy rotation online at MSNBC. Aren’t these the kind of guys you want to play nice with?
ThymeZoneThePlumber
According to AP, McCain’s campaign is focussed on the economy and steering us through these rough times.
Clearly he would not have time to be screening reporters at the door of his plane to see who has been naughty and who has been nice. That would be petty, and we know how presidential McCain is.
Rick Taylor
It’s struck me how many things the Bush campaign and administration used to do surreptitiously the McCain campaign does openly and unapologetically. Bush has always had embarrassingly few press conferences and has treated the media as an adversary, but the McCain campaign publicly says Palin won’t do press conferences at all.
Catpain Haddock
The McCain camp is full of maroons. What they should have done was give Klein a premo seat and all the drinks and snacks his little heart could desire. Presto change-o! Better coverage.
Not My Fault
meh.
Da-base don’t do msnbc. They are a terrorist sympathizin maoist/socialist arugula eatin network. If it isn’t on Fox news, then it isn’t worth hearin.
The McCain campaign has long since given up on reachin past da-base, so I don’t think they care much what is on msnbc.
ThymeZoneThePlumber
What they should have done was give Klein a premo seat and all the drinks and snacks his little heart could desire and sit up in the cockpit and play with the throttles.
Enhanced for your reading pleasure.
Napoleon
@yet another jeff:
Was that a NASCAR racing board (I hang out on racing boards, but not primarily NASCAR ones).
Glenn
Only wingnut bloggers need apply? I guess so they can say they’re being "fair and balanced?"
Tim Fuller
In a couple weeks, fighting over seats next to McCain will be a moot issue anyway. Pretty funny that anybody would even give a dam at this point, but I guess it needs to be reported as just another example of the thug asshattery that abounds.
Enjoy.
Cris v.3.1
Considering that Keith Olbermann is a Kos diarist, I wonder how soon we will learn that at least one of the Respectable Journalists who does have a seat on the Straight Talk plane maintains a GOS account?
yet another jeff
Yeah, specifically the "war board" side of an Earnhardt board.
Seems like a lot of McCAAAIIINNN!!!-iacs need to tie kerosene rags around their ankles so the ants don’t walk up their legs and eat their candy asses.
cleek
there are only two issues of Time left before the election (and one of them is probably in the can already). they don’t have to worry much about Klein.
Comrade Kevin
@Catpain Haddock:
Blistering barnacles! Are Thomson and Thompson running that campaign?
Tsulagi
Hey, seats on a plane devoted to the press are limited precious resources to be used wisely. They can now give that seat Klein would have wasted to a patriotic reporter in sync with the McCain base…Jeff Gannon.
Brian J
But Obama’s plane smells bad! That’s what’s really important!
comrade scott
You want a D&D reference? I’ll give you a D&D reference:
http://somehedgehog.livejournal.com/245807.html?page=1&view=1747503
Anybody who’s ever played D&D (raises hand) needs to read this. It’s quite apolitical and is chock full of gems.
Atanarjuat
Why should a deranged practitioner of the poison pen be given any plane privileges?
The Ayers-clinging left have an astounding sense of entitlement, without question.
Country First.
Comrade Jake
Atanarjuat, if you work really hard, you can give yourself a blow job. Seriously. Go try it. Don’t worry if your neck starts to feel funny, that happens to everyone. Just stick with it, and when you finally figure it out, come back and tell us about it. Mmmmkay? Kay.
Brian J
Alright, so we learned that Obama entered October with $133.6 million cash on hand, after raising $150 million in September. Along with the DNC’s money, which was $27.4 million, and you have almost $160 million, or about $40 million more than McCain and the RNC.
Here’s my question: is the $150 million that Obama raised is essentially spent? In other words, as the campaign goes on, are they banking on a certain level of contributions, and thus spending money they don’t technically have? I would think that’s definitely the case, but I wanted to be sure.
boonagain
Who is more Ayers-clinging-the Right or the Left?
Discuss.
NonyNony
@comrade scott:
You are now my new hero, comrade scott. That’s probably the biggest laugh I’m going to get today. Possibly all week.
SGEW
@comrade scott:
That, my friend, is a must read. I am proud to be one of Obama’s henchmen.
Rocks fall, everyone dies.
Comrade Jake
@Brian J:
Based on the emails I’ve received from them at late, I think they’re making one last push for funds. They’ll then be looking to spend out what they have, with some projection as to what they expect to come in over the last few weeks. I’ll be very surprised, given how the campaign’s been run so far, if they end up overdrawn when it’s all said and done.
So I suspect they’ve spent a good portion of the $150M they raised in Sept., but probably not all of it.
Atanarjuat
Yes, Comrade Jake, I get it.
Your San Francisco-oriented values almost choke you with desire whenever you see my writings. After all, that would be an impressive notch on your belt to somehow conquer someone who didn’t despise their own country, right?
I’m sorry to have to repeat myself, but I’m a pitcher, not a catcher. However, I’m sure that little vaseline alley-inspired come-on will work wonderfully on your fellow "comrades" here, so just redirect your closeted energies elsewhere and you’ll relieve your frustration.
Remember, I’m not your enemy, but just someone who loves his country with all his heart.
Country First.
Brian J
It’s almost ridiculous, but Obama’s fund raising could drop by a third, and he’d still raise $100 million for the month of October.
Whatever the case, I’d guess that he’ll have more than enough money to do whatever he wants.
Has there been any word on exactly what he’s going to talk about on October 29 or whatever day it is he has reserved the half hour on the major networks during prime time? If he’s using it to talk about the economy, it might just be the most brilliant move of the campaign. I know one person doesn’t make a trend, but one of my brothers is probably a good representation of a swing voter. He voted for Bush in 2004, or so I am pretty sure, but he’s basically ready to pull to the lever for Obama. The last time I talked to him, which was last week, he said that he just wanted to hear more about what he would do for the economy. A great presentation during that half hour could cut McCain’s campaign off at the knees.
Comrade EdTheRed
@Atanarjuat:
Ah, gay-bashing…the last refuge of the insecure 8th grader.
Stuck in the Funhouse
I get that way with emergency bowel movements. Cheap Pleasure, I like to call it.
jnfr
@comrade scott:
That was excellent. Thank you.
Krista
Isn’t he just the most precious little thing? I just want to knit little sweaters for him, he’s so adorable.
smiley
@yet another jeff:
What’s amazing is that these idiots are so ignorant about our system of government that they think the president can institute taxes all by himself.
ThymeZoneThePlumber
Yet another day of really second-rate spoof?
Who is casting this thing today? Can we get some talent in here?
"Ayers-clinging left." Jesus, at least try not to be so fucking obvious, man. Respect yourself, at least. Put some effort into it.
SGEW
We are bitter, and cling to our Ayers and abortions.
I'mRubberYou'reGlue
At least I can give our junior spoof intern some competition.
Atanarjuat, I’m rubber, you’re glue.
Your words bounce off me and stick to you.
Your turn.
Comrade Jake
@Atanarjuat:
I don’t think you’re my enemy, I just think you’re a tool who needs a little love. Try the self-induced blowjob. You’ll feel better afterwards. Don’t worry if you pass out or if it feels like your neck might break. Keep pushing. YOU CAN DO IT!
comrade scott
Everybody:
You’re welcome. Wish I’d written it myself.
Cris v.3.1
He’s going to talk about ‘whitey.’
SGEW
He’s going to Rickroll us all.
Atanarjuat
Seriously, Comrade Jake, your finger-snapping, head-bobbing, hip-sashaying "girlfriend" act will not produce the outcome you’re hoping for. I feel badly for you.
Smarten up and pursue your rump-wrangling among your more receptive brethren. Perhaps Comrade EdTheRed will accommodate you.
And you America Last dead-enders wonder why California’s Proposition 8 is so wildly popular at the moment. If CJ and others like him could only show some restraint, the issue would remain a closeted affair, and rightfully so.
Country First.
Zuzu's Petals
@Cris v.3.1:
Crimeny, John Kerry is a Kos diarist.
Different plane, though…I guess.
SGEW
My goodness Atanarjuat! All of this must be making you feel kind of . . . strange. Sort of . . . disturbed, yet excited. Curious, perhaps.
How do you know you’re not a catcher if no one’s ever thrown you the ball?
(sashays hips, snaps fingers)
Comrade EdTheRed
@Atanarjuat:
Seriously…the economy is going down in flames, Bush has nationalized our banking system, we’re fighting two wars…and you’re obsessed with calling people gay.
Has it ever occurred to you that this mindset is why the Democrats are about to crush what’s left of the GOP at the polls in two weeks?
Has it ever occurred to you that, you know, gay people might love America, too?
Has it ever occurred to you that establishing a surveillance state and institutionalizing torture are a funny way of showing how much you love a country?
Nah…you’re too busy wondering who’s buggering whom.
Comrade Jake
@Atanarjuat:
Buddy, I’m not sure where all the homophobia comes from. Self-love isn’t homosexual. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?
It’s OK for you to try and give yourself a BJ. Really. You can try it in the privacy of your own home. There’s no need to do this in public, particularly if it’s your first time.
In fact, I’m sure someone over at RedState has posted detailed instructions. But there’s really no need for a smart guy like you to read them. You can figure this out. Like I wrote above, your neck might hurt a little, but just keep on keeping on. You.Can.Do.It!
Atanarjuat
Comrade Jake, pretending that you’re just being helpful about this "self-love" suggestion is a dumb and transparent ploy. Sorry, dude, no can do on the whole Hershey Highway thing.
Speaking of chocolate, your insistent depredations remind me of the Cuban film, "Strawberry and Chocolate." One of the final scenes involves the straight male character, David, telling the rebuffed gay character (whom you could relate to), Diego, just what his heterosexual preference means to him:
David: "If you knew how delicious a woman can be."
Diego: "How disgusting!"
Indeed, Comrade Diego… er, Jake. I’m really disgusting that way.
Country First.
Atanarjuat
Comrade EdTheRed, I never said that gay people don’t love America, too (and why wouldn’t they? There’s New York and San Francisco — so much to love!).
Your other comrade, Jake, decided to derail this thread with all this "self-love" nonsense, and I called him on it. Take your complaints to him.
As for the GOP being crushed by the Great Liberal Hive Mind, don’t be too quick to do your fist-bumping victory dance, my sad and desperate friend. The only poll that matters is November 4th, and more and more Americans are waking up to the shenanigans your David Koresh-like leader, Nobama, has been engaging in with an enthusiastic reacharound by the liberal media.
Country First.
PaminBB
"I have stated repeatedly that the McCain campaign is being run by wingnut bloggers"
John, if you are correct it would explain an awful lot. The combination of wingnut bloggers and advice from Bill Kristol has an awesome destructive potential.
SGEW
FIST-BUMPING VICTORY DANCE!
LA Confidential Pantload
"Ayers-clinging?" Lefties are now putting on Ayers?
disappointedGOPer
@Atanarjuat:
Mark Foley, is that you?
Phobos
@Atanarjuat: The ability to name-check obscure foreign films does not speak well of your alleged Country First bona fides.
Good day to you sir.
bago
Atanarjuat: I’m never goona give you up, never gonna let you down.
I'mRubberYou'reGlue
What’s become of this place? Such politness, it’s not seemly at all.
Comrade Jake
@Atanarjuat:
See, and here I was thinking a dumb and transparent ploy would be something you might be able to comprehend. I really wasn’t expecting the homophobia though.
Thanks for wearing your bigotry so proudly on your sleeve. Were you born an asshole, or did you work your way up to it?
Xenos
You guys need to go easy on Atanajrurat. He is the only troll we have at this time.
The homophobia is a new angle, as I don’t recall hearing it from him in the past. So he is trying to branch out to something new, I guess. How special.
Atanarjuat
Comrade Jake said:
When all else fails, the liberal pulls out a Victim(tm) Card.
It’s not my fault that you elected to come off as a Booty Bandit, nor did I expect you to double down in this futile pursuit of man-love nonsense on which you keep insisting.
Please, stop. I’ve had enough. Even a God-forsaken liberal like yourself should show SOME courtesy once in a while, and this is that while.
Thank you.
Ha! Look who’s talking.
Country First.
Comrade Peter J
Good one :)
gbear
@dmsilev:
I’m going to be giggling about that image for the rest of the afternoon. Hope the Chow wasn’t made in China.
gbear
Have you ever gone out for coffee with a group of all gay men?? You’re comment is virtual proof that Atanartwat is a catcher. He just doesn’t realize he’s been playing T-Ball all this time.
gbear
Hmmm, this thread is not only merely dead.
It’s really most sincerely dead.
Stuck in the Funhouse
We are all but prisoners of Wingnut History. We plan to escape sooner, rather than later.
Jennifer
Have you guys seen the ‘NObama Blog Bursts’ that the little neocon blogs post every Tuesday? A collection of about a dozen of them publish the same post full of the "truths" of this election weekly, and plan to through 11/4. It’s the echo chamber effect at its absolute finest wingnuttery.
I bet they’d be allowed on the plane.
Oracle
He concludes every post with "Country First."
He’s a spoof, people.
Fulcanelli
@Atanarjuat: Gay or not. Who knows, who cares?
But…
"Speaking of chocolate, your insistent depredations remind me of the Cuban film, "Strawberry and Chocolate." One of the final scenes involves the straight male character, David, telling the rebuffed gay character (whom you could relate to), Diego, just what his heterosexual preference means to him: David: "If you knew how delicious a woman can be."Diego: "How disgusting!"
I do know one thing, he doesn’t write like that on the "real" American wingnut blogs.
jcricket
Are we talking about McCain or Anamamamajajtjtoaoturoatrat?
Church Lady
They also banned Maureen Dowd of the Times (stranding her in Pittsburgh or something) and the Obama campaign banned Ryan Lizza of The New Yorker. Frankly, who cares? If it was me, and a reporter invariably wrote negative articles about me, I’d ban them from my plane too. Nothing says they can’t follow the campaign flying commercial.
Elle
I was hoping Goldfarb would fail in a huge and fantastic way, but it looks like I might have to settle with just a slow-burning lameness. Two weeks to go, though, so fingers crossed.